TTP #87: Dr. Robin McEvoy – Integrative Pediatric Assessment

It turns out that Dr. Robin McEvoy and I have a lot in common. We’re both in Colorado, we have some mutual psychologist friends, and we’ve both pursued craniosacral therapy for our children! Wait, what? Yes, craniosacral therapy. Join Robin and I as we talk all about her approach to integrative assessment for kids. We cover her evaluation process, what a “holistic” assessment is, some common influences on behavior that we might overlook, and a number of alternative treatment approaches (including craniosacral therapy). As another guest who has “written the book” on this topic, Robin brings a highly informed, nuanced perspective to assessment with kids. Cool Things Mentioned * Robin’s book (affiliate link): Child Decoded…* Robin’s website* Child Decoded* Nemechek protocol website, book (affiliate link), & Facebook group The Testing Psychologist podcast is now approved for CEU’s! I’m excited to announce that I’ve partnered with At Health to offer CE credits for podcast episodes! Visit this link to access current and past episodes available for CE credit. You can use code “TTP10” for a discount on ALL the course credits you purchase from At Health! About Dr. Robin McEvoy Dr. Robin McEvoy is a developmental neuropsychologist practicing in the Denver, Colorado.  She evaluates and diagnoses a wide range of learning disabilities and learning needs in children, adolescents and adults.  In addition to her private practice, Dr. McEvoy is an assistant professor at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center.   Although evaluation is the heart of her work, Dr. McEvoy also loves the educational process – speaking to parents, schools or other health professionals about learning, development and parenting in this new age where certain learning and developmental challenges are increasing in prevalence.  Over the last 20 years, she has evolved to taking a more integrated approach to evaluation and diagnosis.  I try to  take a more holistic look at the child’s life.  Have we checked sleep, nutrition, exercise, sensory processing, allergies, eczema?  What are the multiple factors that may be impacting this child’s life and psychological profile?  Although I find the DSM quite useful, I do not focus on converging on a DSM diagnosis.  My goal is to paint a picture of this child’s functioning, the factors influencing that functioning, and the recommendations that may shift things where we can.  DSM diagnoses, though often necessary, are a secondary component to me. To that end, I have worked with an alternative treatment provider (Kim Gangwish) and an editor (Marijke Jones, who raised a Twice-Exceptional learner) to develop Child Decoded:Unlocking Complex Issues in Your Child’s Learning, Behavior, or Attention.  This book aims to help both parents and providers consider the multiple factors that can influence a child’s development and trajectory of outcome.My daughter and I have also published Buddy:A Story for Dyslexia, a children’s book to explain learning challenges and how different teaching approaches can help a child overcome these challenges.  About Dr. Jeremy Sharp I’m a licensed psychologist and Clinical Director at the